Monday, 5 September 2011

I managed to struggle out of bed and get down showered and dressed in time for breakfast at 7.30. Kevin looking remarkably healthy after last night. A good buffet breakfast, with a special mention for the sausages. Walked to Cathedral, rehearsed in Song School and in the curved modern choir stalls in the nave. Also practiced processional and recessional hymns. I'd forgotten how difficult it is to walk and sing at the same time, or perhaps it was easier last time I did it!

A full congregation, Holy Communion, bells but no smells, and a witty and interesting sermon from the Dean. The Byrd went well, especially the Agnus Dei followed by the Durufle during Communion.

Afterwards we were invited up to the Library for a glass of wine and nibbles and to admire the Treasures. Lots of wonderful silver Flagons, Chalices and Plates of all periods: medieval, Restoration, Georgian, and over-the-top Victorian from parishes in the Leeds and Ripon Diocese, as well as the Ripon Jewel, and a 2000BC gold ring.

Rang Mum after the service. She sounded well.

Lunch in Flo's Italian restaurant near the Cathedral. Pasta with chicken and chorizo, a glass of beer (Leffe Blonde - mistake!) and a glass of red. I think most of the choir were there, except the ones who were staying out of town.

Moved the car to Sainsbury's car park, which I was told was free. It wasn't, so I had to pay £1 for 2 hour's parking. Took the refund section of the ticket into the store and chose 2 bottles of Cape Red and a packet of plasters. The checkout girl said "We don't do those" so I left the shopping.

Another rehearsal at 4, then 5.30 Evensong in the Chancel. Smith Preces and Responses again, Stainer Mag and Nunc in Bb, and Balfour Gardner's Evening Hymn, to which the Dean referred in his sermon, quoting the lines "Banish the dreams that terrify,/And night's fantastic company".

Team photo with George (when he'd finished regaling us with Saint-Saens and come down from the organ loft), then the drive to Brid, listening to the Prom, which turned out to be Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, which I guessed towards the end. Several places on the way had poor R3 reception, but I heard most of it.

Patchy fog meant the return journey took a bit longer and it was dark when I got to Gill's at 10 to 9.

Welcomed by David and Gill with hugs and a glass of wine, and by Rebel with much leaping and fawning.

Drinks in the Bull and Sun, taxi back. Phil and Mark joined us for supper, more chicken, with roast potatoes and beans from the allotment. David and I went straight to bed and slept soundly. The others apparently stayed up till about 3, but we didn't notice.

Saturday, 3 September 2011

Up betimes for drive to Ripon. After getting David ready, had tea, bread and Marmite, and set off at about 10 past 8. Phil wasn't back when I left, so he and Angela are obviously getting on well!

It's a beautiful drive from Bridlington to Ripon, through Sledmere, Fridaythorpe, then the sudden view of the Plain of York from the top of Garrowby Hill, and down into Stamford Bridge. After the dry run a few weeks ago I'd persuaded Kathleen, the Irish lady in my Tom-Tom who takes me home again, to avoid the A1M, so went parallel to the motorway for a bit before crossing the main road and entering the City of Ripon.

Arrived at Ripon Spa Hotel

at 9.50 to be told my room not ready until 2, and they'd stopped serving breakfast. Mike and wife Rose already here - they arrived last night. We must be in place at 2.45 for the rehearsal at 3, so the schedule is a bit tight.

Uneventful journey to Bridlington. Disappointing meal at the Robin Hood, Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Got there at 1/4 to 2 to be greeted with "..but we've got no pie left." Not very nice lasagne instead. David couldn't finish his: I wish I hadn't started mine. Beer was good though. Jennings' Bitter.

Met Angela, who is prettier than I'd imagined her. Night in with chicken cooked by Gill, and wine.